USU Named a Finalist For OHT 2021 Excellence in Service Award for Improving Lives of U.S. Veterans

Utah State University has been named as a finalist for the Operation Hat Trick (OHT) 2021 Excellence in Service Award for its efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans. OHT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting wounded U.S. combat veterans.

In recognition of the University’s impact, OHT will make a donation to the Cache Valley Veterans Association on the university’s behalf. Operation Hat Trick Founder and President Dot Sheehan presented the Excellence in Service Awards via video conference on May 25.

"This award has been a tremendous help over the last couple of years and has helped us move forward with finally opening up the very first Veterans One-Stop Center in the State of Utah,” said Phil Redlinger, chief executive officer and co-founder of the Cache Valley Veterans Association. “The funds will be used to help keep the lights on and assist with challenging issues Veteran’s face such as homelessness. The funding will also help us to be able to provide services in the areas suicide prevention and mental health counseling, along with the myriad of other resources and programs relevant to Veterans in the center.”

Utah State was one of seven finalists that included Texas A&M University, University of Arizona, George Mason University, North Dakota State University, Western Michigan University and Clemson University. The finalists were chosen based on their efforts to fully integrate OHT on and off their campuses through a presence in their bookstores and other retail outlets; promoting veterans’ causes through their social media properties and advertising campaigns; and generating additional revenue that will be used to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans.

"I am very proud of what Utah State has done to support Operation Hat Trick and veterans who have been wounded, and are now recovering from invisible and visible injuries,” said Dot Sheehan, founder and CEO of Operation Hat Trick. “Despite a year of challenges, Utah State has shown not only a commitment to support OHT but also a commitment to support their local community, which is so critical. We at OHT are honored and proud to partner with Utah State."

A portion of each sale of OHT branded merchandise is donated to select organizations that support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. Through the sale of branded merchandise, Operation Hat Trick has helped 80+ organizations that provide direct support to veterans in need. They include the Travis Mills Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, Warriors Ice Hockey Programs, Hero Flights, the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Fisher Houses, Veterans Healing Farm and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors.

The Cache Valley Veterans Association's mission is to improve, optimize and create new services for Veterans, Service Members and their families in the Cache, Rich, Box Elder and Franklin Counties of Utah. For more information, visit cachevalleyveterans.org

OHT generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. The organization pursues these goals through the sale of OHT branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations supporting the OHT mission. Operation Hat Trick is supported by more than 500 universities and colleges, 21 National Hockey League teams, 15 NBA teams, 165 high schools, more than 70 Minor League Baseball teams and over 80 companies. For more information, to give online or to purchase OHT apparel and merchandise, visit www.operationhattrick.org.